Scooter Dragonet — Synchiropus ocellatus

Specialist micro-predator. Main risk is starvation without pods.

Quick facts

• Size: 7–9 cm

• Temperament: Peaceful

• Reef-safe: Yes

• Minimum tank: 120+ l with strong pod production

• Lifespan: 5–10 years if well fed

Aquarium requirements

• Mature system: 9–12+ months, porous live rock, rubble zones.

• Refugium/pod farm: Strongly recommended for continuous copepod supply.

• Water: pH 8.1–8.4, salinity 1.025–1.026, temp 24–26 °C; NH3/NO2 0, NO3 <15 ppm.

• Flow: Low–moderate with many grazing surfaces.

• Cover: Advisable; can jump when startled.

Diet

• Primary: Live copepods and amphipods throughout the day.

• Supplements: Enriched baby brine, Calanus, fish roe, finely chopped mysis.

• Prepared foods: Some individuals accept micro-pellets/frozen after training; captive-bred adapt best.

• Strategy: Seed pods routinely, run refugium, target-feed at rockwork via baster/feeding station.

Behavior and compatibility

• Keeping: One per tank unless a true male–female pair in a large, pod-rich system.

• Tankmates: Peaceful species only; avoid boisterous fish and heavy pod competitors (sixline/leopard wrasses).

• Activity: Perches and “scoots,” constant grazer; low bioload if fed.

Acclimation and health

• Quarantine: Observational or TTM preferred; avoid copper.

• Condition: Choose individuals with rounded bellies and active pecking behavior.

ID notes

• Males show an enlarged, sail-like first dorsal fin.

• Often sold as “Scooter Blenny” though it is a dragonet.

Buyer’s checklist

• Prefer captive-bred, already eating frozen or micro-pellets.

• Verify robust pod population in your system before purchase.

• Skip specimens with pinched bellies or lethargy.